Wisdom of Sirach

Whatever your take is on the Apocrypha books, this passage is quite refreshing. It comes from the book called Ecclesiasticus which means “the church’s book” OR the Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach. (Some just simply call this book Sirach). Interestingly, in Hebrew this book would be called Yeshua ben El-azar ben Sirach! It was written around 180 B.C.E. and it was one of the many books found at Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls). It is styled similar to Proverbs in our Bibles and contains mostly teachings on WISDOM[1].

If you’ve read my post The Biblical Role of Women Part V, the theme of wisdom as a holy or virtuous woman shines through in this passage. I loved it, read it carefully.

Sirach 15:1-20

He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her. (2) And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of a virgin. (3) With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give him the water of wisdom to drink. (4) He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded. (5) She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth. (6) He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name. (7) But foolish men shall not attain her, and sinners shall not see her. (8) For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot remember her. (9) Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not sent him of the Lord. (10) For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it. (11) Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth. (12) Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need of the sinful man. (13) The Lord hateth all abomination; such things are not loved by those who fear Him. (14) He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the power of their own free choice; (15) If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. (16) He has set before you fire and water: stretch forth thy hand unto whichever you choose. (17) Before man is life and death; and whichever one chooses will be given. (18) For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and sees all things: (19) And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work of man. (20) He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man license to sin.

[1] Creation Gospel students: (1st branch on the menorah—1st creation day/separation of light and darkness—Ruach of Wisdom—Passover—church of Ephesus)

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